John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I agree with the calls for realism in the debate on the economy. Most people recognise that certain action must be taken but whenever action is taken objections are made without reasonable alternatives being put forward. That debate will be ongoing until such time as we get through the current difficulties in the world economy.

I share the views of those who spoke earlier. There is no doubt that there is a time for peace. I wish the President-elect well. While I do not agree with his liberal agenda, I share in the delight of everybody here of the election of the first African-American President. There is a time for peace and I hope that the time has come to redistribute the moneys, especially among the less well-off, and regenerate the economies to allow us to get back to work so that everybody can achieve their full potential.